DAILY CURRENT AFFAIRS IAS | UPSC Prelims and Mains Exam – 4th September 2024

 Syllabus

• Mains – GS 2

Context: Flagging the culture of adjournment in deciding cases, President Droupadi Murmu recently said that the poor from the villages are still anxious to approach courts as they feel that fighting for justice will make their lives even more difficult, and termed it the ‘Black Coat Syndrome’.

Background: –

• According to information available on the National Judicial Data Grid, over five crore cases are pending across different levels of the system

Case Pendency Statistics:

• Over five crore cases are pending across various courts in India.
• Uttar Pradesh has the highest number of pending cases, exceeding 1.18 crore in subordinate courts.
• Pending cases are distributed as follows:
  • Supreme Court: 84,045 cases
  • High Courts: 60,11,678 cases
  • District and subordinate courts: 4,53,51,913 cases
• Factors Contributing to Case Pendency:
  • Infrastructure and Staffing: Inadequate physical infrastructure and court staff.
  • Case Complexity: Complexity of facts, nature of evidence, and cooperation of stakeholders including the bar, investigation agencies, witnesses and litigants.
  • lack of prescribed time frame by courts for disposal of various kinds of cases, frequent adjournments and lack of adequate arrangement to monitor, track and bunch cases for hearing
  • Judge Shortage: India has 15 judges per 10 lakh people, significantly below the 50 judges per 10 lakh recommended by the Law Commission’s 120th report in 1987.
• Recent Case Highlights:
  • Ajmer Case: On August 20, a POCSO court convicted six individuals to life imprisonment, 32 years after a blackmail and sexual abuse case involving hundreds of girls was exposed.
  • Delhi High Court: On August 29, a complainant was allowed to withdraw a case due to “litigation fatigue” caused by frequent court appearances impacting her work.
  • These two cases, in two different courts, illustrate the problem that President Droupadi Murmu sought to highlight in her address at the National Conference of the District Judiciary — “Black Coat Syndrome”.
• Reform Needs:
  • Long-term Planning: A comprehensive plan is needed to address systemic issues causing prolonged case pendency.
  • Balancing Act: Reforms should aim to speed up case resolution while ensuring due process and maintaining judicial integrity.

Source: Indian Express

 Syllabus

• Prelims : ECONOMY

Context: The Centre has cut windfall tax on domestically produced crude oil to one thousand 850 rupees per tonne from two thousand 100 rupees per tonne.

Background: –

• Windfall tax, a relatively new taxation policy, was introduced in India in 2022

About Windfall tax

• Windfall tax is a special tax imposed by the government on companies that experience unexpected and above-average profits due to external events.
• In India, this tax was introduced in 2022, primarily targeting the oil and gas sector, which saw significant profit increases due to global events like the Russia-Ukraine war.

Key Points About Windfall Tax in India:

• Purpose:
  • The main aim is to redistribute unexpected profits that companies gain due to external factors, ensuring that these profits benefit society as a whole.
• How It Works:
  • Windfall tax is levied as an additional tax over the regular corporate tax. It is typically calculated as a percentage of the excess profits that exceed a certain threshold.
• Impact on Industries:
  • Oil and Gas: Companies like ONGC, Oil India, and GAIL have been significantly affected. The tax aims to curb excessive profits and ensure fair distribution.
  • Other Sectors: While primarily focused on oil and gas, the windfall tax can also apply to other sectors like mining and telecommunications if they experience similar profit surges.
• Advantages and Disadvantages:
  • Advantages: Increased government revenue, fair distribution of wealth, and contribution to sustainable development.
  • Disadvantages: Market uncertainty, reduced business profits, and potential deterrence for investors.

Source: News on AIR

 Syllabus

• Mains : GS 2

Context: Prime Minister Narendra Modi landed in Bandar Seri Begawan, the capital of Brunei Darussalam, on Tuesday (September 3) for his official visit to the country.

Background:

• Narendra Modi is the first Indian PM to visit the Southeast Asian nation. His trip also marks 40 years since India and Brunei officially established diplomatic ties.

Brunei’s population and Indian diaspora

• As of 2023, Brunei has an estimated population of 450,500. Brunei citizens make up approximately 76% of the population, while the rest are permanent or temporary residents. Ethnically, over 80% of the population is Malay or Chinese.
• Indian migration to Brunei began in the 1920s, coinciding with the discovery of oil. Currently, around 14,000 Indians reside in Brunei.
• The significant contributions of Indian doctors and teachers to the development of Brunei’s healthcare and education sectors have been widely recognized.

Strategic Importance of Brunei

• Brunei holds strategic significance within India’s ‘Act East’ Policy and Indo-Pacific Vision. The ‘Act East’ Policy evolved from the ‘Look East’ Policy, which was initiated in the 1990s.
• In the post-Cold War era, following the dissolution of the USSR — India sought to deepen its relationships with countries in Southeast Asia. The northeastern states of India, due to their geographic proximity, were envisioned as key players in this engagement.
• In 2014, the policy was revitalized as ‘Act East,’ emphasizing more proactive efforts to strengthen these connections. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has identified ASEAN (Association of Southeast Asian Nations) as the “central pillar” of this policy, with Brunei being one of the ASEAN members.
• Economic growth in Southeast Asia over the past few decades has made commerce a central focus of India’s ties with the region. Brunei, as one of the largest oil and gas producers in Southeast Asia, plays a significant role in this economic engagement.
• The emphasis on Southeast Asia and the Indo-Pacific also gains importance in light of China’s rising global influence.
• Under President Xi Jinping, China has adopted a more authoritarian stance, and while its economic power enables it to finance numerous projects and provide loans to other countries, its actions—such as its conduct in the South China Sea—have caused friction in the region.
• India’s engagement in Southeast Asia, including its relationship with Brunei, serves as a counterbalance to China’s growing influence.

Source: Indian Express

 Syllabus

• Prelims & Mains: ECONOMY

Context: Recently, the Union Cabinet Committee chaired by the Prime Minister of India approved the Digital Agriculture Mission with an outlay of Rs. 2817 Crore, including the central share of Rs. 1940 Crore.

Background: –

• This initiative is part of the broader vision of Viksit Bharat@2047, aiming to transform the agriculture sector through digital solutions.

About Digital Agriculture Mission

• The Digital Agriculture Mission is an initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
• The mission aims to create a robust Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for the agriculture sector.
• This includes initiatives like the Digital General Crop Estimation Survey (DGCES) and other IT projects by various government bodies.

Objectives:

• Enhance Farmers’ Income: By providing timely and reliable information, the mission aims to improve the income of farmers.
• Digital IDs for Farmers: Farmers will receive digital identities similar to Aadhaar, known as Farmer IDs.
• Nationwide Crop Surveys: Implementing comprehensive crop surveys to gather accurate data on agricultural production.
• Job Creation: The mission is expected to create around 2.5 lakh jobs.
• Development of AgriStack: This will include a Krishi Decision Support System and Soil Profile Mapping, providing essential data to farmers.

Benefits:

• Improved Service Delivery: By leveraging data analytics, AI, and remote sensing, the mission aims to make service delivery mechanisms more efficient and transparent.
• Enhanced Decision-Making: Farmers will have access to timely and accurate information, aiding in better decision-making.
• Increased Productivity: With better access to information and resources, farmers can increase their productivity and profitability.
• Sustainable Agriculture: The mission promotes sustainable agricultural practices by providing data on soil health, crop patterns, and more.
• Economic Growth: By boosting the agriculture sector, the mission contributes to the overall economic growth of the country.

Source: PIB

 Syllabus

• Prelims : CURRENT EVENT

Context: The Ministry of Women and Child Development recently launched the 7th Rashtriya Poshan Maah 2024. This initiative, part of Mission Poshan 2.0.

Background: –

• The campaign emphasizes themes such as Anaemia, Growth Monitoring, Complementary Feeding, Poshan Bhi Padhai Bhi (Nutrition and Education), Technology for Better Governance, and Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam (One Tree for the Mother).

About Mission Poshan 2.0

• Mission Poshan 2.0 is a significant initiative by the Government of India aimed at addressing malnutrition and promoting nutritional well-being across the country.
• It was launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.

Mission Poshan 2.0 aims to:

• Integrate Nutrition Schemes: Merge various nutrition-related schemes to create a comprehensive approach to tackling malnutrition.
• Enhance Nutritional Content: Improve the quality and delivery of nutritional services.

Objectives:

• Reduce Malnutrition: Address issues of stunting, undernutrition, anaemia, and low birth weight among children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.
• Promote Health and Wellness: Develop practices that nurture health, wellness, and immunity.
• Leverage Technology: Use tools like the ‘Poshan Tracker’ for better supervision and management of services.
• Community Engagement: Foster social and behavioural change communication (SBCC) to promote better nutrition practices.

Benefits:

• Nutritional Support: Provides supplementary nutrition through hot cooked meals and take-home rations.
• Diet Diversity: Encourages the consumption of micronutrient-rich foods and fortified foods.
• Improved Infrastructure: Strengthens and modernizes Anganwadi centers to provide better services.
• Sustainable Practices: Promotes the establishment of nutrition gardens in Anganwadis, schools, and gram panchayats.

Source: DD News

 Syllabus

• Prelims: POLITY

Context: The Central Government has recently notified the constitution of the 23rd Law Commission, which will function from September 1, 2024, to August 31, 2027.

Background: –

• This move is part of the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure that India’s legal framework remains relevant and effective.

About Law Commission

• A Law Commission is an independent body established to review and recommend reforms to the legal system of a country.
• The new commission will advise the government on complex legal issues and review existing laws to ensure they align with current economic and social needs.

Origins and History:

• First Law Commission: Established in 1834 under the Charter Act of 1833, chaired by Lord Macaulay. It recommended the codification of the Penal Code and the Criminal Procedure Code.
• Post-Independence: The first Law Commission of independent India was established in 1955, chaired by M.C. Setalvad, the then Attorney-General of India.

Structure and Functioning:

• Non-Statutory Body: The Law Commission is neither a constitutional nor a statutory body. It is an executive body established by an order of the Government of India.
• Advisory Role: It works as an advisory body to the Ministry of Law and Justice, primarily comprising legal experts.
• Tenure: Each commission is established for a fixed tenure, usually three years.

Functions:

• Legal Reforms: The primary function is to work for legal reforms by reviewing existing laws and suggesting new ones.
• Research and Studies: Undertakes research in law and studies for bringing reforms in the justice delivery system, eliminating delays, and reducing litigation costs.
• Recommendations: Makes recommendations to the government in the form of reports, which are laid in Parliament and forwarded to concerned departments for implementation.

23rd Law Commission:

• Structure: The commission will have a full-time Chairperson, four full-time Members, including a Member-Secretary, and several ex-officio and part-time Members.
• Appointments: For the first time, serving judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts can be appointed as Chairperson and Members.
• Focus Areas: The commission will work on reviewing obsolete laws, developing Standard Operating Procedures (SoPs) for periodic reviews, and addressing legislative references from various departments.

Source: Indian Express

Q1.) With reference to the Digital Agriculture Mission, consider the following statements:

1. The Digital Agriculture Mission is an initiative by the Ministry of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare.
2. The mission aims to create a robust Digital Public Infrastructure (DPI) for the agriculture sector.
3. This initiative is part of the broader vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 that aiming to transform the agriculture sector through digital solutions.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1,2 and 3

Q2.) With reference to the Mission Poshan 2.0, consider the following statements:

1. It aimed at addressing malnutrition and promoting nutritional well-being across the country.
2. It was launched by the Ministry of Women and Child Development.
3. It addresses issues of stunting, undernutrition, anaemia, and low birth weight among children, adolescent girls, pregnant women, and lactating mothers.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 and 2 only
2. 3 only
3. 2 and 3 only
4. 1,2 and 3

Q3.) Consider the following statements about the Law Commission of India:

1. It is an executive body established by an order of the Government of India.
2. It works as an advisory body to the Ministry of Law and Justice.

Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

1. 1 only
2. 2 only
3. Both 1 and 2
4. Neither 1 nor 2

Comment the answers to the above questions in the comment section below!!

ANSWERS FOR ’ 4th  September 2024 – Daily Practice MCQs’ will be updated along with tomorrow’s Daily Current Affairs

Q.1) –  d

Q.2) – b

Q.3) – a